The family of 17‑year‑old Karmelo Anthony, who faces a first‑degree murder charge in the fatal stabbing of fellow student athlete Austin Metcalf, plans to purchase a new residence and hire private security using more than $429,000 raised online for their son’s legal defense and personal safety. Judge Rachel Johnson of Collin County approved a reduction in Anthony’s bond from $1 million to $250,000 on April 14, allowing him to walk free on house arrest under the conditions of an ankle monitor and judicial permission for any outings .
Over $429,857 has been contributed toward a goal of $500,000 through an online fundraiser hosted on GiveSendGo. During Monday’s hearing, prosecutors questioned why the family did not use these donations to post the original $1 million bond. Andrew Anthony, Karmelo’s father, clarified that the contributions are earmarked not for bail but for legal fees, relocation expenses, and enhanced security measures following a wave of racially motivated threats that forced the family to leave their longtime home FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth.
According to Andrew Anthony and defense attorney Mike Howard, the family intends to move into a gated community “for the safety of their younger children,” and to secure professional protection. “Living in a gated community, given everything, the safety of their younger children is very warranted,” Howard stated, emphasizing that “security details and criminal defense are not cheap.” In court, Andrew Anthony explained that he is currently on leave from his job, making these funds essential for the family’s day‑to‑day survival as well as his son’s defense FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth.
"Living in a gated community, given everything, the safety of their younger children is very warranted" - Attorney Mike Howard
The incident occurred on April 2 at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, when an argument over seating under a rain‑delay tent escalated into violence. Witnesses reported that Austin Metcalf attempted to remove Anthony from the tent; in response, Anthony drew a black knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. Although Metcalf’s twin brother, Hunter, applied pressure to the wound in a desperate attempt to save him, the teenager died at the scene.
Shortly after the stabbing, Anthony fled but was later apprehended by Frisco Police. In his statement to authorities, he admitted to the stabbing but insisted it was an act of self‑defense after Metcalf “laid hands on him” during the altercation. Prosecutors have maintained that the killing was neither accidental nor justified, while the defense argues that Anthony acted to protect himself.
Since the bond reduction, Anthony has been confined to his parents’ home under strict house‑arrest conditions, including continuous ankle monitoring and a prohibition on unsanctioned departures. The family’s original residence was targeted online; their address was leaked, leading to anonymous threats and harassment that highlighted fears of racially motivated violence People.com.
Public reaction to the fundraiser has been sharply divided. Supporters argue that the family has a right to prepare a robust defense and ensure their safety, while critics have condemned the use of donated money for real estate and private security rather than bail. Calls have emerged on social media demanding the removal of the donation page out of respect for Metcalf’s grieving family, and some donors have begun requesting refunds The Times of India.
As both families continue to navigate legal and personal turmoil, the case has drawn national attention to issues of juvenile justice, self‑defense claims, and the intersection of race and public safety. The trial date has not yet been set, but the bond conditions and the high‑profile fundraising efforts ensure that this case will remain in the spotlight in the weeks ahead.
